Janice Louise Houk

Janice Louise Houk, 84, Johnston, IA, passed away on August 15th, 2023 after a brief illness.

Janice was born on April 25th, 1939 to Clara and Theodore Rydynski in South Bend, IN. She grew up in South Bend, graduating from St. Joseph High School, class of '57.

Janice met George Houk at a dance and the two married in 1959. After a few relocations for work and military service, they settled in Urbandale to raise their three children. They enjoyed all of life's adventures in their 63 years of marriage. Some of the things Jan was particularly fond of included conversations with friends, reading novels, and traveling.

St. Pius X church in Urbandale was a big part of  Jan's life. Jan and George joined in 1966 and she volunteered with Home and School, Altar and Rosary, The Outreach Committee, and helped with funeral dinners. She enjoyed breakfast after morning Mass with an informal group and treasured the monthly meetings with her women's group.

Jan loved flowers and always had a cute dog to nurture. In her late 40's she attended and graduated from Iowa State University. She often held a part-time job and especially liked working at Sandy's-Plaza Florist.

Janice is survived by her husband, George; sons, David of West Des Moines, Tim (Sara) of Norwalk; a daughter, Jenn Houk of West Des Moines; grandchildren, Ben (Yancy) Houk, Zach (Anna) Houk, Kirsten (Kurt) Rutledge, Ashley (Eric) Burns, Lauren (Khalil) McMeans, Sam (Jess) Houk, Jack Houk; and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Mary Ann Barrell.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at St. Pius X Catholic Church 3663 66th St in  Urbandale. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.  A live stream of the Mass will be available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16BttePBmQM .